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Becoming a Student or Candidate

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The CIA has two entry-level membership categories intended for individuals who are pursuing the ACIA or FCIA designations or who would like to maintain a closer connection with the Institute and its member resources as they consider earning these designations.  

Both membership categories are open for registration and will come into effect on December 1, 2024. As CIA members, Students and Candidates are bound by the Institute’s continuing professional development requirements, Rules of Professional Conduct, and Code of Conduct and Ethics for Participants in the CIA Education System.

“It’s the best of both worlds. I get to study a program that I thoroughly will enjoy as well as get credit throughout the process.”

-Noah Bensmihen, Student and #FutureActuary
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Starting December 1, 2024

To participate in the CIA’s Professionalism Workshop, the Advanced Professionalism and Leadership Course, or any of the ACIA and FCIA modules and exams, you must first obtain a Student or Candidate membership with the Institute. 

Which membership category is right for you?

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Student

The Student membership category is open to those actively enrolled in an actuarial science degree of a CIA-accredited university program and working towards achieving their ACIA designation through Pathway 1 of the CIA education system. 

Student members do not pay annual membership fees but must yearly reconfirm their enrollment status in a CIA-accredited university program during the membership renewal period.  

Applicants must also successfully complete an orientation module in order to obtain Student membership. 

As mentioned earlier, Student membership is required for registration to any educational activity leading to the ACIA designation, and for access to the CIA mandatory Professionalism module for CPD, effective December 1, 2024.  

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Candidate

The Candidate membership category is open to those who are pursuing their ACIA or FCIA designation and who are NOT enrolled in a CIA-accredited university program in actuarial science and NOT pursuing Pathway 1 of the CIA education system. Candidate members are working their way to earning the ACIA or FCIA designation through another actuarial organization’s education system via Pathways 2 or 3 of the CIA education system. 

Candidate members pay annual fees and must renew their membership yearly during the membership renewal period.  

Applicants must also successfully complete an orientation module in order to obtain Candidate membership. 

As mentioned earlier, Candidate membership is required prior to registration for any CIA educational activity leading to the ACIA or FCIA designations, and for access to the CIA mandatory Professionalism module for CPD, effective December 1, 2024.